Minor in Physics

About this field

Physics is a foundation science concerned with space, time, matter, energy, gravitation, electromagnetism, light, atoms, nuclei and the fundamental forces of the universe. Famous physicists such as Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton responsible for some of the most profound scientific discoveries in history, and the discipline continues to produce great thinkers who uncover the inner-workings of the universe. The physics program at Valdosta State University helps students achieve their dreams of in the discipline and prepares them for careers in the field and for further graduate studies.

The Valdosta State Difference

Students in the physics program at Valdosta State have small upper-level classes, with class size averaging 15 students or less. Physics majors receive individual attention from faculty and forge relationships that last throughout their years at Valdosta State and beyond. Physics faculty members actively engage in research, and students have opportunities to serve as research assistants. Students have access to state-of-the-art educational tools and technologies, including an optics lab that houses a 6-x4-foot optical table, an observatory with a 16" Cassegrain reflecting telescope, and the VSU Planetarium, a 47-seat planetarium equipped with a Digitarium Kappa digital projector. Physics major s may join the Society of Physics Students, a professional association for physics students and enthusiasts that encourages the development of skill s outside the classroom. Outstanding students may be invited to join Sigma Pi Sigma, a nationally recognized scholastic honor society for physics students.

What You'll Learn

The physics minor is a good choice for students in other major programs who want to gain an understanding of fundamental physical principles. The minor complements several major programs, especially the astronomy major. Fifteen to 18 hours of coursework are required.

Careers

• Astronomer
• Astrophysicist
• Atomic Physicist
• Biophysicist
• Chemical Physicist
• Computer Systems Engineer
• Laser Technician
• Marine Geophysicist
• Materials Scientist
• Medical Physicist
• Molecular Physicist
• Nuclear Imaging Technologist
• Nuclear Physicist

• Occupational Safety Specialist
• Optical Physicist
• Patent Attorney
• Plasma Physicist
• Research Physicist
• Research Technician
• Science Journalist
• Secondary School Physics Teacher
• Technical Consultant
• Technical Writer
• Test Engineer
• Theoretical Physicist
• Thermodynamics Physicist